Concept and creative process
Broadcast in the ‘Timewatch’ strand as 'Karnak, a Hidden History', the brief was to recreate the Karnak religious site, an entire city covering three square miles, revealing its fascinating hidden history. The task was to deliver computer generated sequences which could be seamlessly intercut with live action footage from the programme itself. At the time this was very ambitious, state of the art, 3D computer generated imagery. Extensive research was done to obtain the greatest possible accuracy. Forty plans from the French archaeologists were scanned into computers for reference. An enormous archaeologically correct database was compiled, taking full advantage of the advances in computer graphics software at the time. Using Alias Power Animator and additional effects in Flame, the team created photo-realistic images with full atmospheric effects, using textures for realism from the actual site. Details included the reconstruction of the Nile and the surrounding landscape as it would have been at the time. In all, the model reconstructed a site of over three square miles and featured dramatic fly-bys of the finished temple. Animation was created by Cinesite (Europe) one of the leading digital effects facilities.
Animation team - Chas Cash, Dave Child, Gareth Edwards
Creative Direction - Liz Friedman
Silver Award Broadcast Designers Association (BDA)
Finalist LEAF
Finalist New York Festivals
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Secrets of Karnak press materials
Secrets of Karnak press cutting